Setup Router logo in white Setup router name logo in white
Get Software

How to Reset the Dlink DWR-116

Thumbnail image of Setup Router Staff
Setup Router Staff
(Last Updated: ) | Reading Time: 3 minutes

On this page, I will be discussing how to reset the Dlink DWR-116 router. This is not the same thing as a reboot. When you reboot something you cycle the power to the device. When you reset your router you take all the settings and return them all to factory defaults. This means every single setting is reverted back to how they were when they left the factory.

Warning: Resetting this router is a big step and should not be taken lightly. We recommend making a list of all the settings you have changed in the past. Consider the following:

  • The main username and password to access the router's interface are erased.
  • The Internet name and password are erased and returned to factory defaults.
  • If this is a DSL router you need to re-enter the ISP (Internet Service Provider) username and password. If you don't know these you need to call your ISP.
  • If you have made any other changes you need to write them down so you can reconfigure them later.

Other Dlink DWR-116 Guides

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DWR-116. We also have the following guides for the same router:

Reset the Dlink DWR-116

Use a VPN Instead

Have you considered using a VPN instead of forwarding a port? For most users, a VPN is a much simpler and more secure choice than forwarding a port.

We use and recommend NordVPN because not only is it the fastest VPN, it includes a new feature called Meshnet that makes forwarding a port no longer necessary for most applications. With NordVPN Meshnet, you can connect to your devices from anywhere in the world, completely secure, over a highly encrypted VPN tunnel.

When shopping for a VPN, make sure that they meet the following criteria:

  • Your VPN provider should have a no-logs policy. This means that they do not keep any logs of any kind.
  • Make sure that your VPN provider has lots of exit nodes all around the world.
  • Check that your VPN will not affect your speed.
  • Verify that your VPN provider uses WireGuard as the underlying protocol.
  • Many people prefer a VPN provider that is not based in the United States.

This is the list of requirements that we used when we were shopping around for a VPN provider. There are lots of free, shady VPN providers out there that we looked at and dismissed.

Based in Panama, using diskless servers, and with over 6,100 servers in 61 countries, we can safely say that NordVPN satisfies all of these requirements.

NordVPN is the fastest VPN!

Once you've set up your NordVPN account on multiple computers and enabled Meshnet, you can seamlessly access all of your devices as if they were on the same network. You don't even have to log in to your router. It's very simple.

Every time you click on one of our affiliate links, such as NordVPN, we get a little kickback for introducing you to the service. Think of us as your VPN wingman.

The first step is to find the reset button. This is found on the front panel. Take a look at the image below for an exact location.

router reset factory settings
This is the reset page from your Dlink DWR-116 router.

While the router is on, take a paperclip and bend it. Take that bent paperclip and press down on the reset button/hole for about 10 seconds. This begins the reset process. If you don't hold the reset button down for the entire amount of time you end up only rebooting the device instead of resetting it like you wanted.

Please remember this reset is going to erase every single setting you have ever made to your router. To avoid this we recommend trying other methods of troubleshooting before you continue with a reset.

Login to the Dlink DWR-116

After you've reset your Dlink DWR-116 router you'll want to log into it. This is accomplished by using the factory default username and password. Not sure where to get these? We have them listed for you in our Login Guide.

Tip: Defaults not working for you? Try holding the reset button down for longer.

Change Your Password

Now that you've successfully reset and logged into your router we suggest setting a new password for it. This can be whatever you want it to be, however, remember that a strong password consists of 14-20 characters in length and includes no personal information. For more help check out our Choosing a Strong Password Guide.

Tip: Keep from losing your new password by writing it on a slip of paper and taping it to the bottom of your router.

Setup WiFi on the Dlink DWR-116

It is now time to start the reconfiguration process. We highly recommend starting with the WiFi settings. For a great guide on the topic check it out here on our How to Setup WiFi on the Dlink DWR-116 page.

Don't forget to sign up for NordVPN's promo deal before it's gone.

NordVPN faster than ever deal!

You might notice that most of our site doesn't have ads on it. This is because we use partnerships with companies like NordVPN to keep the site running. Thank you for supporting us by using our referral links.

Dlink DWR-116 Help

Be sure to check out our other Dlink DWR-116 info that you might be interested in.

This is the reset router guide for the Dlink DWR-116. We also have the following guides for the same router: